DICON-D7G to Begin Local Production of Armoured Vehicles, Anti-Drone Systems

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G) plans to establish local production lines for armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems and other specialised military equipment as part of efforts to build a self-reliant defence industrial base.

The initiative is being driven through a partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International for Defence Systems. Officials said the collaboration would enhance technology transfer, increase domestic manufacturing capacity, create jobs and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported defence equipment.

As part of the arrangement, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, led a delegation on a two-day inspection tour of factories and military production facilities in Cairo to assess equipment and systems in line with Nigeria’s expanding defence manufacturing objectives.

Mr. Osman Chennar, CEO of DICON-D7G, said the partnership was expected to employ more than 200 workers and provide opportunities for about 100 retired military personnel.

“The team assessed equipment and production systems intended to support Nigeria’s expanding defence manufacturing objectives,” he said.

Chennar explained that the agreement would establish production lines capable of transferring advanced military technologies to Nigeria.

He said the initiative would position Nigeria to manufacture a wider range of equipment for its armed forces and potentially supply other African markets.

The targets under the partnership include the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, a modular multi-mission defence platform; armoured personnel carrier cabins; 120mm manual mortar launcher cabins; and medical evacuation and ambulance cabins.

The portfolio also includes MRAP-Buffalo U.10 and M.12 armoured vehicles, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicles, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicles and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

The expansion aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to enhance local defence production. The Nigerian Army has already begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles.

Beyond vehicles and weapons, DICON-D7G is developing a dedicated military jetty in Lagos to improve logistics for local defence manufacturing. The facility will facilitate the movement of raw materials, components and finished military equipment.

Chennar said the jetty, which is expected to become operational within the next two to three months, would serve as a strategic centre for the supply and distribution of military equipment within Nigeria and across Africa.

“The Military Jetty in Lagos will provide employment for over 200 retired military personnel and more than 1,000 civilians when the project becomes operational,” he said.

He noted that the implications of the strategy extended beyond procurement.

“Increased local production could reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, keep defence spending within the domestic economy, develop specialised technical skills and build an industrial base capable of supporting the armed forces during extended security operations,” Chennar explained.

He added that the DICON-D7G/Eagles partnership was positioned not merely as an equipment supply arrangement but as part of a broader effort to establish a sustainable Nigerian defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of designing, assembling and producing platforms required by the military, while eventually serving wider African markets.

The development comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen national security through local content and increased industrial capacity in the defence sector.